Cain Out. Perry Down.

Back in October I posted line charts illustrating Herman Cain’s rise in popularity among GOP — and Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s descent after some unsteady debate performances. Yesterday Google released its 2011 “zeitgeist” report, which visualizes worldwide searches during the last year, allowing another comparison of the two men.

This (unnecessarily 3D?) chart shows the 10 fastest-rising searches in politics news during a critical point in the primary for both candidates. You can see when Cain (in green) began his slide, following allegations of sexual harassment. Perry (in blue) also dropped after the “oops” moment in early November: